(May 30, 2017) Salinas, California – Panels at the inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS) will include a range of topics designed to inform and engage organic growers, farmers, producers, and their service and supply chain partners. Farm soil management, environmentally sustainable packaging, advances in agricultural technology, and discussion with elected state and federal officials on key issues facing agriculture are among topics that will be addressed by an illustrious line of speakers at OGS on December 13-14, 2017, in Monterey, California.

A series of six educational sessions, put together by the OGS partners CCOF and Organic Produce Network (OPN), will provide information vital to organic farmers and ranchers, as well as an overview of the challenges and opportunities in the production of organic fresh food. The OGS is the only event specifically designed to bring organic fresh food producers and their service and supply chain partners together for information, education, and networking opportunities.

“The summit will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of California’s organic producers,” said Cathy Calfo, CCOF Executive Director/CEO. “From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production.”

“The organic community truly sees the benefit of an event connecting organic growers and farmers with those in the supply and service chain. As organic continues to grow, the need for expanded education and information is paramount to its continued success,” Tonya Antle, co-founder of the Organic Produce Network said. “Working together with CCOF, the inaugural OGS is designed to bring all components of the trade together under one roof to exchange ideas and information as it relates to organic production.”

OGS will be held December 13-14, 2017, at the Monterey Hyatt Resort and Spa in Monterey, California. General registration to attend the event is slated to open in July, with more details of the educational program, including session topics and speakers, to be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the first-ever OGS, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.

###

About CCOF

CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible.

CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

Founded by agricultural industry veterans Matt Seeley, former VP of marketing for The Nunes Company, and Tonya Antle, former VP of organic sales for Earthbound Farm, The Organic Produce Network (OPN) was established as a vibrant on-line and live content programming organization connecting the entire organic fresh produce industry.